City of Longwood Incentives

Micro-enterprise Revolving Loan Fund

The program is designed to assist the development and sustainability of the micro-business by partnering with organizations proving training and business development while being a source of funds for businesses that may have a difficult time in obtaining conventional financing. The Program has been designed to provide small businesses located within the City of Longwood a borrowing option. Loans range from $500 to $10,000. The applicant must submit a detailed business plan with their application and be willing to work with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to assist in their company's success. Access the Micro-enterprise Loan Fund's Application (PDF).

Longwood Economic Development Tax Abatement Program

(LEDTA)
The program provides a City of Longwood Ad Valorem Tax Abatement for new businesses to the City of Longwood or the expansion of a current business. There are requirements to be met and the granting or refusal of exemptions is at the sole discretion of the Longwood City Commissioners. For more information concerning the LEDTA program, see Chapter 82 - Taxation (Sec. 82-252) of the Longwood Code of Ordinances. For a download of the LEDTA Application, left click here.

Longwood Green Building Program

A City of Longwood program that promotes a sustainable future through environmentally-sensitive development. The City offers assistance through fast-track processing of permits, site plan fee reduction, marketing, and award recognition.

Seminole County Jobs Growth Incentive Trust Fund

The program is funded through an agreement between Seminole County and the City of Longwood and provides monetary incentives for qualified Target industries and businesses. The funds may be used for relocation, impact fee, permitting or any other legitimate business costs. Applicants must demonstrate the creation of high paying jobs and substantial capital investment to be eligible to receive funds. Preference is given to projects that are constructing new buildings. The program is available to new, relocating and expanding companies in Seminole County. New start-up companies must create a minimum of 3 new jobs that earn 80% of the county's average minimum wage.

Expanding companies must increase their employment base by a minimum of 10% and the jobs must earn a minimum of at least 80% of the county's average annual wage. Companies relocating within Seminole County will need to create a minimum of 25 new jobs and must earn 115% of the county's average annual wage. The county's current average annual wage is $44,552. Incentives are awarded on a case-by-case basis by the Board on County Commission. Please note that the County is currently reviewing the program and there will be some changes made to the qualifying parameters. Please call our office for the details. The programs qualifying standards will be updated upon notice from the County.

Downtown Historic District Matching Grant Program

The purpose of the Downtown Historic District Matching Grant Program is to provide assistance to property owners to restore, improve or re-create historic architectural features of facades of structures anywhere within the City of Longwood Downtown Historic District. All grant funds awarded require a matching dollar-for-dollar expenditure by the owner. The allocation is on a first come basis and availability basis. The funds may be awarded as follows: 1) Contributing Structures, up to $5,000 and 2) Supporting Structure, up to $3,000.

Raising Energy Efficiency Program (REEP)

The City of Longwood has created a new economic development initiative to promote energy efficiency while also providing a boost to the local Longwood economy. The Raising Energy Efficiency Program is an incentive for Longwood residents to utilize contractors, suppliers or other businesses located within the city limits when making energy efficiency improvements to their home. The program offers rebates of up to $500 a year per owner-occupied residence. For additional information see the City of Longwood's Building Department.